A horse owner has been banned from keeping animals after her morbidly obese pony was found struggling to breathe. Donna Parley, 41, ignored her six-year-old horse Geordie’s deteriorating condition for at least a year, leaving him in severe pain and lameness without veterinary treatment or regular farrier visits.
Inspector finds pony in severe state
An inspector from the Scottish SPCA (SSPCA) attended Parley’s property in Aberdeenshire in September 2022 after concerns for Geordie’s welfare were raised to the charity's animal helpline. Upon arrival, it was clear Geordie was suffering, with hooves overgrown, cracked, and hot to the touch, and his legs warm and swollen.
Due to the serious concerns, the inspector called a local vet to urgently attend. Upon examination, Geordie’s respiratory rate was sixty breaths per minute, significantly above the normal rate of eight to 12, and his heart rate was sixty beats per minute, almost double the normal of 32 to 36. He was immediately removed and taken to the charity's animal rescue and rehoming centre in Aberdeen.
Chronic laminitis confirmed
A vet confirmed Geordie had chronic laminitis, a painful condition where tissues inside the hoof become inflamed and lose their grip. X-rays showed his feet had not been properly trimmed for at least a year. He was also given a body score condition of five out of five, meaning he was morbidly obese.
The inspector said: “He was dull and showed no interest on my arrival. He was visibly overweight, very lame on all four feet and struggling to move freely and breathe. It was heartbreaking to see him in such terrible pain.”
Five-year ban imposed
Parley was banned from keeping or owning horses for five years when she appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Thursday, September 24. She was found guilty of two animal welfare charges.
Speaking after sentencing, the inspector said: “We welcome the Sheriff’s decision. Parley showed complete disregard for Geordie’s welfare, proving she isn’t capable of properly caring for an animal. She ought to have known that keeping a horse in such terrible conditions would have detrimentally affected their welfare. Once Geordie developed laminitis, it would have also been obvious he was in severe pain, and she should’ve sought immediate veterinary treatment to alleviate his suffering. We hope this sentencing sends a clear message that animal neglect will not be tolerated in Scotland.”
To report a concern of cruelty, visit the Scottish SPCA website.
